Trimmer and stacker

ABSTRACT

There is provided a book trimmer for continuously trimming and separating individual signatures in multiple signature printing, stacking the separated signatures, and trimming the stacked signatures to provide finished edges therefore.

United States Patent 208.754 [.7 I 2.241 l.873 792 l.943.752 2.682.3442.971.415 3.l22.()40 3,146,650

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS lO/l878 83/91 5/ l 929 83/948/l932 83/426X l/I934 83/158 6/1954 83/94X 2/1961 83/94 2/ l 964 83/949/1964 83/9! Primary Examiner-F rank T. Yost Atmrney-Nccho and KemmelmanABSTRACT: There is provided a book trimmer for continuously trimming andseparating individual signatures in multiple signature printing,stacking the separated signatures. and trimming the stacked signaturesto provide finished edges therefore.

*PATENIEDFEBZ Ian 3,559,516

wmw ran 000400 J. FREEMAN ATTORNEY PATENTEUFEBZ 1911 "SHEETS 0F 5 rllllllll.

wvs/vroe [DWARF J. FREEMAN A TTORNEY TRIMMER AND STACKER The existingmachinery in the printing and bookbinding art is, to a large extent,exemplified by the AUTOMATIC CON- TINUOUS BOOK TRIMMER, shown in U.S.Pat. No. 3,146,650, of E. J. Sarring et al. This machinery is typifiedby a suitable input hopper or the like through which the book units orsignatures are fed to a trimming apparatus. The feeding is effected bymeans of a lugged chain or the like which transfers the signatures fromthe feed table or hopper to the trimming station. At the trimmingstation, the signatures are located by a suitable guide means and thefront, head and tail edges thereof are trimmed by separate knives. Thesetrimming operations provide flush edges of the finished product. Thetrimmed, finished product is then transferred by a suitable conveyorwhich may include a further lugged chain, to a further process such asaddressing, labelling or the like.

In the case of a system using multiple signatures, the trimming stationis, in the existing machinery, much more cumbersome, expensive, andinefficient. In multiple signature printing, a plurality of printedareas are juxtaposed on a single web width. This technique is frequentlyused where the printed material or signature has a width which is lessthan one-half the full web width "in order to provide a more economicalutilization of the web or paper.

Obviously, when a multiple signature, for example, a double printing(referred to in the art as two-up printing") is utilized, a morecomplicated, expensive and inefficient operation is required at present.In this process, a so called five-knife trimmer" is normally utilized.That is, the front edge of the booklet is trimmed by a first knife whichis perpendicular to the travel of the booklet. Subsequently, second andthird knives trim the outer edges of the booklet thereby trimming thehead of one signature and the tail of the other signature. Subsequentcuts are made by fourth and fifth knives which delete the unwantedportion between the two signatures and, thus, trim the tail and head ofthe first and second signatures, respectively. The separated booklets orsignatures are then transported from the cutting station to thecollating, labelling or the like station in two separate paths.

It is seen from this description, that the existing equipment requiresfive trimming knives which must be operated in the proper sequence. Inaddition, two separate output paths are utilized. The five knife trimmeris, obviously, an inefficient, uneconomical and cumbersome technique forhandling multiple printing.

In the subject invention, there is described a system whereby handlingof multiple printed material is effected by economical efficient meanswhich does not significantly alter the operation of the bindingequipment from that known in the art for single printing.

With the instant invention, the same input station can be utilized and asingle output station or utilization device can be used. This inventioncomprises a unit which can be inserted into existing equipment toconvert a single print operation to equipment which can operateuponmultiple print copy.

In essence, according to this invention, the printed material havingmultiple prints thereon is supplied by an existing hopper or feedstation. The lugged chain direction is altered to the extent that theprinted material is driven upwardly along an inclined plane, through asplitting apparatus which will separate the multiple signatures into aplurality of booklets or the like comprising individual signatures. Theplurality of individual signatures are fed to a stacking station whichis driven in synchronisrn with the lugged chain. The stacking station isdesigned such that the individual printed signature units are stackedone upon the other'and lowered into engagement with the output luggedchain in a synchronized manner to avoid jamming of the machine. Theoutput lugged chain will then drive the stacked signature units to atypical three-knife trimmer wherein the front, head, and tail edges willbe trimmed. Thus, a multiple signature unit will be handled, insofar asinput and output operations are concerned, identi' cally to a singlesignature unit but with the advantage of having multiple copies of thesignature produced whereby increased production per unit time can beeffected in an efficient, economical and relatively simple operation.

Thus, one object of this invention is to provide an automatic,continuous book trimmer.

Another object of this invention is to provide an automatic continuousbook trimmer which is specially adapted to multiple signature printing.

Another object of this invention is to provide an automatic continuousbook trimmer which is used with multiple signature printing and whichuses the input and output equipment of a single signatufie trimmer.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will becomemore readily apparent when the following description is read inconjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. I is a side view of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the opposite side of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of the output path and the connectiontherewith to the drive system and taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of the input end of the invention includingdrive means and alignment means and taken along the lines 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view ofthe input and alignment means taken alongthe lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the invention showing the splitting andstacking stations taken along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the collating and stacking stations ttaken the lines 8-8 of FIG. 7.

Throughout the description, similar elements and components aredesignated by similar reference numerals.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown side views of theapparatus which makes up the present invention. As noted, in the priorart a lugged chain drive is typically used to transport the printedmaterial from the input feed station to the trimming station. A similararrangement is used in this invention. A prime mover or motor I ismounted on a suitable base 2 which may be a separated pedestal oractually be the floor upon which the binding assembly rests. Throughsuitable mechanical coupling including shaft 3A, sprocket 3 is used todrive the drive chain 4. In some embodiments, drive chain 4 may bedriven by the existing trimmer station. Drive chain 4 is an endless loopwhich, through its motion causes sprocket 5 to rotate. Rotation ofsprocket 5 causes rotation of shaft 5A. Rotation of shaft 5A causesrotation of sprockets 6A (see FIG. 4) which drive main chains 6. Aplurality of lugs 7 are attached to main chain 6 by a suitableattachment means. The lugs 7 are spaced apart by a predetermineddistance which is a function of the speed of operation of the system andthe size of the material which is to be operated upon.

As in seen, chains 6 pass through suitable troughs 8 which may berecessed portions of the apparatus whereby the printed material isengaged only by the lugs 7 of chains 6.

Again, main chains 6 are endless loops which pass around sprocket 12(see FIG. 3) thereby causing rotation of shaft 12A. A tensioningapparatus is associated with chain 6. A toothed wheel or idler sprocket9 engages chain 6 and applies tension thereto so that slack is avoidedin chain 6. Sprocket 9 is attached by suitable shaft to the positioningrod I0 which is attached to frame member 43 of the assembly by asuitable pivot pin 10A. Rod 10 is rotated about pivot 10A to a suitableposition wherein chain 6 is properly tensioned. A suitable lockingmechanism, for example, a set screw (not shown) maintains rod 10 andgear 9 in the desired position.

Rotation of shaft 12A causes rotation of drive gear I3 which is used totransmit driving energy to other portions of the apparatus. For example,through idler gear I4, driven by gear I3, gear 15 is driven in the samedirection as gear 13. Gear 15 is connected to shaft 15A to whichsprockets (see FIG. 3) are attached. Endless loop chains 11 are engagedby the driven by sprockets 90. Thus, chains 6, the main lugged chains,and chains 11 the input lugged chains, are driven in synchronism throughthe gear train comprising gears 13, I4, and I5. Chains 11 pass aroundidler sprocket 101 which is ad justably mounted in frame member 100which is attached to frame member 42 in suitable fashion. Thisarrangement provides tension and chain length adjustment.

Gear 15 rotatively drives idler gear 16 which further drives gear 17.Gear 17 is attached to shaft 17A and causes rotation thereof. Shaft 17Ahas attached at the opposite end thereof a gear 27 (see FIG. 2) whichengages and drives idler gear 28. Idler gear 28 engages and causesrotation of gear 18. Gear 18 is connected to shaft 18A and causesrotation thereof. Gear 18 further drives idler gear 29 which engages anddrives gear 20 which is attached to and causes rotation of shaft 20A.The gear trains so far mentioned are located external of frame members34. As will be seen in FIG. 3, gears internal of frame members 34 causerotation of shafts 29, 21A and 19A. The arrangement of the gear trainsshown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, are provided in order to drive each of theshafts and the rollers affixed thereto while utilizing a minimum space.Consequently, some of the gears are located on opposite ends of theshafts and, thus, opposite sides of the apparatus. In addition, thisarrangement permits equilization of the torque and other mechanicalstresses placed on the shaft and gears. The gear drive arrangements areillustrative of a preferred embodiment only and are not limitative ofthe invention. Moreover, it is understood that suitable hearings orbushing means are used where necessary.

Attached to shaft 29 is a knurled roller 56 (see FIG. 3) which is apinch roller as will be described hereinafter. In order to provideadjustment capabilities therefor, shaft 29 is mounted in a suitablebearing in adjustment arm 32. Arm 32 is affixed to frame 34 via suitablepivot 30. By rotation of arm 32 around pivot 30, shaft 29 moves in slot31 whereby adjustment in the pressures applied by knurled roller 56 isprovided. Suitable adjustment means 33 including a screw arrangement anda spring member are mounted on frame 34. By adjustment of the adjustmentmeans 33, the position of arm 32 is con- .trolled and, thus, theposition of the roller on shaft 29. A similar adjustment is located oneach side of the separating station and is shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2.

Continuing with FIG. I, there is shown endless loop chain 22 whichengages and is driven by sprocket 21 on shaft 21A. Chain '22 alsoengages and is driven by sprocket 23 which is the input of a gear box24. Gear box 24 may be utilized to alter .the speed and/or through bevelgears or the like, change the direction of the drive. The outputsprocket 25 of gear box 24 engages and drives chain 26 which is moreclearly shown in FIG. 8. Chain 26 through means not shown in FIG. 1drives rollers 37 which form a portion of the stacking station.Immediately adjacent to the rollers 37, a re a plurality of weightedballs which bear upon rollers 37 and are selectively driven therebythrough frictional contact. The balls are positioned by guide member 36having a plurality of holes, one hole for each ball, and an angled endthereof. In addition to maintaining the balls 35 in the proper location,guide member 36 acts as guide for directing printed material from thesplitting station between rollers 37 and balls 35 thereby to maintainthe printed material in contact with rollers 37. Stops 38 which may bepieces of bar stock or rod material are affixed in the frame member 39immediately above each of the balls to retain same within the guidemember 36. Frame member 39 is a suitable member for maintaining andsupporting the guide member 36 and the like in proper relationship.

Guide means 40 comprising vertical wall-like members are disposedadjacent to and on opposing sides of main lugged chain 6. Guide members40 are utilized to guide the printed matter afterit has passed throughthe splitting and stacking stations and while it is being transported tothe output station. Suitable clamping means 41 are utilized to provideadjustable clamping of the guide means 40 to accommodate printed.material of different dimensions. The adjustment means 41 is affixed tothe bed or support member 42 which is supported by legs 43. Of course,the frame and support member are of illustrativc configuration only.Also mounted in frame member 34, adjacent the bottom thereof, is asuitable bearing which supports one end of the shaft 44A. Shaft 44A isconnected at the other end thereof to sprocket 44 (see FIG. 2).

Referring to FIG. 2, endless loop chain 45 engages a suitable sprocket102 attached to shaft 12A and is driven thereby. Chain 45 also engagessprocket 44 and causes rotation thereof along with shaft 44A whichdrives elevator stacker 63 as will appear hereinafter.

Continuing with FIG. 2, there is shown the opposite side view of theinvention. For the most part, the apparatus of FIG. 2 has been describedpreviously. However, FIG. 2 more clearly shows the input end of thesystem. The engagement of endless loop chains 11 with suitable sprocketson shaft 15A is suggested. In addition, the endless loop formed by chain11 engages a suitable sprocket 104 (see FIG. 5) mounted on shaft 46A foridler type rotation. Thus, movement of chain 11 will not drive shaft46A. By means of a suitable sprocket shaft, 46A is driven by the feedhopper station through chain 103. As well, gear 46 which is affixed toone end of shaft 46A is also driven by the input feed station. Gear 47affixed to the corresponding end of shaft 47A engages gear 46 and isdriven thereby. As will become apparent, suitable pinch rollers of hardrubber or the like are affixed to shafts 46A and 47A to interact to gripthe printed material which is supplied thereto by other suitableapparatus such as a feed hopper or the like, and move the printedmaterial along the inclined ramp described infra whereby the lugs 7 onchain 11 can engage the printed material and cause movement thereof.

Shaft 47A is mounted by suitable means at one end of arm 48 which isconnected to support 50 by a suitable pivot joint 49. Thus, byadjustment of pivot 49 and arm 48, the interaction of the rollers onshafts 46A and 47A can be controlled.

The inclined plane along which chain 11 drives the printed materialincludes a side guide member 41, against which the input material isabutted for proper alignment for being fed into the trimming station.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a top view of the splitting andstacking stations. At the input end or left side of FIG. 3, the inputlugged chains 11 are shown in fragmentary view. Between and adjacent theinput chains 11 are the ramps or bars 52 which operate as an inclinedplane to support the printed matter to be raised as it is transported bychains 11. These bars, along with input chains 11, cause the printedmaterial to be raised a suitable distance from the input station to theslitting station and the stacking station wherein the stacking operationcan occur such that the stacked signatures are deposited on luggedchains 6 at the level of the output station. Of course, if the inputstation is at the same level as the input of the slitting station, thesupport bars 52 need not be inclined.

The registration guide bar 51 which may comprise a horizontal barsubstantially similar to bars 52 and a vertical shoulder attachedthereto is also shown in fragmentary view. A single guide bar 51 isshown inasmuch as suitable means for registering the printed materialtherewith are provided (see FIG. 5).

A knurled roller 56 is shown adjacent the ends of the infeed stationwhich includes chains 11 and bars 51 and 52. While a single knurledroller 56 is shown, it is understood that a second roller ofsubstantially similar construction is located directly below the rollershown. In fact, roller 56 shown in FIG. 3 is affixed to shaft 29 shownin FIGS. 1 and 2. Cooperating knurled roller 74 (see FIG. 7) is affixedto shaft 17A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As in seen, gear 17 is driven inthe proper direction so that any material being fed by chains 11 isengaged by pinch rollers and driven in the continuous transportingdirection. In addition, gear 55 is attached to shaft 29 at the end ofroller 56 and on the inboard side of frame 34.

It is understood, that a cooperating gear (not shown) is located onshaft 17A on the inboard side of frame 34 and which engages gear 55.Thus, shaft 17A is driven when gear 17 is driven. When the shaft 17A isdriven the gear which cooperates with gear 55 is driven. Thus, gear 55is driven by the cooperating gear. Therefore, knurled roller 56 andcooperating knurled roller 74 (shown in FIG. 7) are positively driven ina counter rotational manner to transport material therethrough from theinput station.

Adjacent to the knurled roller 56 are the vertically aligned shafts 18Aand 19A. These shafts each have mounted thereon a plurality ofcooperating rollers 57 and 58, respectively. These rollers, which may becylindrical in configuration, cooperate to drive the printed materialtherethrough after it has passed through the pinchrollers comprisingknurled roller 56 and its counterpart. In addition, slitter discs 59 and60 are affixed to shafts 19A and 18A, respectively. The slitters aretypical slitter discs having a beveled edge. The printed material isdriven through the slitter discs by the positively driven rollers 57 and58 on the respective shafts. As the printed material passes between theslitter discs, it is relatively cleanly cut wherein a two-up" print isseparated into two signatures each having single print thereon. Ofcourse, a plurality of cooperating slitter discs could be distributedalong the shafts 18A and 19A to effect cutting and separating ofmultiple prints. For example, in three-up printing, a second cooperatingpair of splitter discs would be required and the splitter discs would besubstantially equally or uniformly distributed across the width of theprinted material.

After the slitting and separation; the printed material is driven byrollers 61 and 62 which are affixed to shafts 20A and 21A, respectively.Rollers 61 and 62 are, similar to rollers 57 and 58, of a suitablematerial such as hard rubber or the like. In addition, it should benoted that shafts 18A and 19A are engaged by inboard mounted gears 53(on shaft 19A) and the vertically aligned cooperating gear which isaffixed to shaft 18A. Similarly gear 54 on shaft 21A is driven by avertically aligned gear which is affixed to shaft 20A. Thus, shafts 18Aand 20A are driven when the associated gears 18 and 20 are driven byidler gears 28 and 29, respectively, which are mounted outboard of frame34. The gear drive coupling between bear S3 and its counterpart and gear54 and its counterpart permit positive drive while eliminating thenecessity for idler gears and, furthermore, are mounted inboard toprovide mechanical advantages both in torque equalization and spaceutilization.

After the printed material passes through the last drive stationcomprising rollers 61 and 62 on shaft 20A and 21A, respectively, in thedirection shown, the material is transported onto the upper surface ofrollers 37; By means of the guide member 36, the printed material isdirected beneath weighted balls 35 which function to maintain theprinted matter in contact with the upper tangential surface of rollers37. Rollers 37 have sprockets attached to the ends thereof (see FIG. 8)which are engaged by the driven by chain 26. As seen in FIG. 8, thechain 26 engages and drives the sprockets associated with rollers 37 sothat the direction of rotation of the sets of rollers is counterrelative to the other set. Thus, the printed material is driven towardthe center of the apparatus by each of the sets of rollers 37.

In the preferred embodiment, elevator 63 is located at the center of theapparatus. Elevator 63 is driven in synchronism with the entireapparatus and is selectively driven to a raised position when therollers 37 are driving material toward the center of the apparatus.Subsequently, elevator 63 is lowered until flush with the surfacerepresented by frame members 42, bar 64 and troughs 8 for chains 6. Whenthe elevator 63 is flush with the surface, the printed material thereonrests on the surface. Thus, chains 6 passes through troughs 8 with lugs7 extending above the surface thereby to abut with and drive the printedmaterial deposited by the elevator.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a fragmentary view of the outputend of the transport table of the apparatus. The drive shaft 5A isconnected to drive sprocket 5. The drive chain 4 is linked to sprocket 3associated with the primer mover and with drive sprocket 5. As shaft 5Arotates, it causes rotation of sprockets 6A and, thus, lugged chains 6.As is seen, lugged chains 6 are. supported by and moved throughsubstantially U-shaped channels or troughs 8. The guide member 40 andthe adjustable clamping means 4l associated therewith are mounted on theupper surface of frame member 42. Thus, when the printed matter has beendeposited by elevator 63 (see FIG. 3) and is engaged by and moved bylugged chains 6,

guide members 41 are positioned to effect a guiding function so that theprinted material is properly delivered to the output station. Referringnow to FIG. 5. there is shown in fragmentary view of the input end ofthe apparatus. In FIG. 5, frame member 42 is joined via suitablemounting means such as screws or the like to a cross member support bar66. The inclined ramp bars 52 are also affixed via screws or the like tothe crossmember 66. A plurality of rollers 65 which may be fabricated ofany suitable material are affixed to shaft 47A and rotatable therewithwhen gear 47 is driven by gear 46 (see FIG. 2). The cooperation betweenrollers 65 and rollers which are vertically aligned therewith cause theprinted material to be gripped and driven from the input station ontochains II and ramp bars 52. The lugs on chain 11 will drive the printedmaterial up the ramp defined by bars 52 and guide bar 5]. Guide bar 51is used for registration of the printed material and to form a referencepoint for the slitting operation. In order to insure that the printedmaterial is properly registered, skewed rollers are attached by suitablemeans to shaft 67 which is mounted in the pivot means 49.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an end view of the registration means is shownpartially in section. Shaft 67 is shown connected between the pivots 49.Mounting means 70 are affixed to shaft 67. Rollers 68 are affixed to themounting means 70 at an angle relative to the direction of feed of theprinted material. The rollers 68 cooperate with rollers 69 which aresubstantially vertically aligned with the rollers 68. Rollers 69 aremounted on shaft 71 which is affixed to the ramp bars 52 by suitablemeans. It will be understood that shaft 7! is mounted at a slight anglewith respect to ramp bars 52 in the input end of the apparatus assuggested in FIG. 5. The rollers 68 are mounted at an angle to cooperatewith rollers 69. Thus, referring concurrently. to FIGS. 5 and 6, thematerial which is fed into the system via rollers 65 is driven alongramp bars 52 by rollers 65. When the material engages rollers 68 and 6Q,a frictional driving force is supplied to the material which tends todirect the material toward guide 51. This drive supplied through asuitable power takeoff, for example via belts (not shown) from shaft12A. Inasmuch as rollers 68 and 69 are encountered at staggered times,the drag and drive forces produce the effect of directing the materialtoward guide member 51 whereby registration of the printed material iseffected.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a sectional view of the slittingand stacking stations taken along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 3. In FIG. 7,input chains 11 with lugs 7 operate as described supra, in the directionshown by the arrow, and pass around sprockets 72 on shaft 15A and idlersprocket 101. Thus, the printed material is driven along the ramp bars52 and into engagement with the knurled rollers 56 and 74 to be grippedthereby and driven between the slitters 59 and 60 on the shafts 19A and18A, respectively. The separated material is driven by rollers 61 and 62on shafts 20A and 21A, respectively. The separated material is drivenonto rollers 37 in conjunction with the guide 36. The material is drivenunder the weighted balls 35 which will tend to hold the printed materialagainst the rollers 37 such that the printed material may be driventhereby. Lugged chain 6 passes around sprocket 73 in the directionindicated by the arrow and passes adjacent the stacking station toengage and transport printed material at the appropriate times. Elevator63 includes a suitable frame 63A to which is affixed roller 75. Roller75 rides on cam 76 which is either an eccentric cam or any other cammounted eccentrically on shaft 44A. Thus, when shaft 44A is driven bychain 45 (see FIG. 2), cam 76 is rotated and selectively causes elevator63 to be raised through the application of force upon roller 75. Asnoted supra, the operation of elevator 63 is, thus, synchronized withthe operation of the remainder of the circuit, especially the luggeddrive chains. Therefore, the printed material is deposited at thestacking station to be engaged and driven by lugged chains 6 whenelevator 63 is in the down position.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a sectional view of the stackingstation taken along the lines 8-8 of FIG. 7. The support member 39 s isshown supporting the ball mounting bracket including guide means 36 androds 38. The balls 35 are shown, in phantom, vertically aligned withrollers 37 which are also shown in phantom. Each of the rollers 37 has asprocket 78 affixed to the end thereof. Chain 26 which is driven bysprocket 25 and passes around idler sprocket 77 engages sprockets 78 atthe ends of the rollers. As described supra, sprocket 25 is driven, viagear box mechanism 24, by sprocket 23 which is, in turn, driven by chain22. It is seen that chain 26 passes over and tangentially engages at theupper uppermost portion thereof one set of sprockets 78 whereby therollers 37 effect clockwise rotation. The chain 26 engages,tangentially, the bottommost portion of another set of sprockets 78thereby causing the associated rollers 37 to effect counterclockwiserotation. Because of the counter rotation, it is obvious that the setsof rollers, drive the materials which have been delivered thereto,toward the center of the apparatus. Of course, if additional multipleprints are divided, similar apparatus may be utilized with the centerprints, for example, being delivered directly to the center of theapparatus and the additional prints stacked thereon. Moreover, ifadditional prints are required, it is possible that the rotation of therollers can be reversed and the printing material delivered to the outerportions ofthc apparatus.

It is further noted, that one set of rollers 37 is somewhat elevatedwith respect to the other set. This operation permits one signature orunit of printed material to be inherently lower than the other wherebyjamming of the units cannot occur during delivery to the elevator. inaddition, although not shown, the different sets of roller s rollerssets, 37 may have different diameters and/or the sprockets 78, in thedifferent roller sets, may have different numbers of teeth whereindifferent delivery speeds will be effected to further avoid jamming ofmaterial.

Typically, the material will be delivered onto elevator 63 which wouldbe in the raised position due to the synchronous operation.Subsequently, elevator 63 would be lowered to the position shown as afunction of the rotation of cam 76. At this point, the material whichhad been delivered to elevator 63 rests upon trough 8 so that lugs 7 onchain 6 can engage and push the material toward the output stage.

Thus, there has been described an apparatus for slitting, separating andstacking the separate signatures of a multiple printing operation. Themultiple printed units are pr provided by a standard feed hopper and areinserted into the system by initial engagement with rollers 65 (see FIG.The multipleprint unit is registered by means of rollers 68 inconjunction with guide 51. The multiple-print unit is then fed into theslitting station where it is engaged and driven, by knurled rollers 56,passed slitters 59 and 60 and subsequently driven by rollers 57 and 58at the slitter station and rollers 61 and 62 subsequent thereto. Theslit or separated signatures are then driven onto the rollers 37 at thestacking station. The rollers 37 drive the separated signatures towardthe center of apparatus where b they are delivered to an elevator whichelevator subsequently deposits the separated but now stacked signaturesonto a lugged chain for transport. The lugged chain, in conjunction withguides 40, transports the stacked signatures to a suitable outputstation. For example, the output station may be a typical three-knifetrimmer where wherein the edge, head and tail cuts are simultaneouslymade for two or more signatures which have been stacked in properregistration. Thus, a typical three knife cutter is employed to trim twoor more signatures which were initially printed in a multiple signatureprocess.

It should be noted, as suggested supra, the multiple printing mayinclude two or signatures on the signatures on the original web. Byutilizing additional slitting knives properly located on the slittingshaft, two, three or more signatures may be separated. In addition. bysupplying additional sets of rollers which can be driven in the properdirection of rotation by adjustment of the drive chain. the multipleunits can all be stacked into a single stack for subsequent usage.

Moreover, in the event that the individual signatures are relativelythin, i.e. a few pages, the lugged chain 6 which transports the stackedsignatures to the utilization stage may be so arranged as to operatemore slowly or to have fewer lugs wherein a plurality of slit andstacked signatures may be accumulated prior to transportation thereoffrom the stacking station to the trimming station. For example, twostacking operations may occur for each trimming operation at thetrimming station. This has the advantage that the trimming stationknives can be operated less frequently ifdcsired.

The obvious advantage of this system is the exclusion of an additionaltrimming station, i.e. the fourth and fifth knife station. In addition,the system provides fully collated and stacked signatures in a singlefeed path which can be then delivered to the output labelling,addressing or counting stations or the like. It is not necessary torestack the signatures as would be required in the existing systemsusing five-knife cutters.

Obviously, this invention provides many advantages of operation,efficiency and economics relative to known and existing systems. Otheradvantages will be noted by those skilled in the art. Moreover, thedescription herein is of a preferred embodiment only and the advantagesand modifications which are suggested supra and which may be apparent tothose skilled in the art are intended to be included in thisdescription.

lclaim:

1. In combination: inputs means for feeding material, cutting meansadjacent to said input means for cutting said material, stacking meansadjacent to said cutting means for stacking said material after it hasbeen cut, said stacking means including a plurality of rollers disposedsubstantially orthogonally to the direction of material travel, drivemeans for rotatively driving said rollers around the axis thereofwhereby material deposited on the rollers is driven thereby to transportmeans, said transport means moving said material away from said stackingmeans, coupling means coupling together said input means, said cuttingmeans, said stacking means and said transport means to effectsynchronism in the operation thereof, and means adjacent said rollers tomaintain said material in frictional engagement with said rollers toinsure driving ofsaid material by said rollers.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said plurality of rollers comprisesat least two sets of rollers, said drive means comprising chain meanslinked to sprockets on each of said rollers, said chain means and saidsprockets being so arranged that said sets of rollers rotate incounterrotational directions.

3. The combination recited in claim 2 wherein said stacking meansincludes elevator means, said elevator means disposed between said setsof rollers whereby said sets of rollers feed material onto said elevatormeans; cam means, said cam means, connected to said elevator means toselectively cause said elevator means to assume raised or lowered pspositions; a said elevator means and said cam ma means beingsynchronized with said sets of rollers so that material is fed onto saidelevator means when in said raised position; said transport means beingoperative to engage said material when said elevator means is in saidlowered position.

4. The combination recited in claim 1 wherein said input means includesfeed chain means for moving said material; ramp means adjacent said feedchain means for moving said material; ramp means adjacent said feedchain means so that said material is moved up said ramp means to beraised relative to the initial position at said input means; guide meansatfixed to said ramp means for controlling the position of said materialas it is moved up said ramp means; a said cutting means comprising atleast one pari pair of cooperating slitting discs for cutting saidmaterial into separate segments; said stacking means including conveyormeans for conveying the separate segments of the cut material to apredetermined stacking station adjacent said transport means.

5. In a trimmer, including a trimming station for continuously trimmingand separating individual signatures into multiple signature printingand having a central axis, combination of:

A. input means feeding the signatures into the trimmer;

B. slitter knives receiving the sheets from the input means and slittingthe signatures into at least two segments;

C. a plurality of longitudinal aligned roller sets receiving thepreviously slit signatures and directing them transversely inwardlytoward the said central axis: said rollers being disposed in planesparallel to the a said central machine axis;

D. means to press the previously slit signatures into engagement withthe said longitudinal aligned rollers;

E. elevator means positioned upon the said central machine axis andreciprocating to an upper position and a lower position: said elevatormeans receiving the slit signatures from the longitudinal rollers whenin the upper position; and said elevator means lowering the saidsignatures when moving to the lower position; and

F. chain means receiving the said signatures from the elevator meanswhen in the lower position: said chain means carrying the signatures tothe trimming station.

6. The invention of claim wherein the said input means includes anindexing guide parallel with and spaced from the central axis androllers angularly positioned with regard to the said central machineaxis whereby the said angularly positioned rollers urge the signaturesagainst the indexing guide for initial aligning purposes.

7. The invention of claim 5 wherein the longitudinally aligned rollersinclude a right set functioning to the right of the central machine axisand a left set functioning to the left of the central machine axis.

8. The invention of claim 7 wherein the said right and left sets oflongitudinally aligned rollers position in respective horizontal planes,the plane of one set of rollers being above the plane of the other ofsaid set of rollers whereby signatures may be readily stacked one on topof the other upon the elevator means. I

9. The invention of claim 7 and drive means rotating the said right andleft roller sets, said drive means simultaneously rotating one of saidroller sets in a clockwise direction, and the other of said sets in acounterclockwise direction.

10. The invention of claim 5 wherein the means to press the signaturesinto engagement with the longitudinal rollers include a plurality ofweighted balls.

11. The invention of claim 10 wherein the said weighted balls roll inplace and re are positioned by a plurality of respective holes providedin a guide member.

12. The invention of claim 5 wherein the said elevator means deposit thestacked signatures upon a surface when reciprocating to the lowerposition, the said chain means recessing below the said surface.

13. The invention of claim 12 wherein the chain means are provided withupwardly projecting lugs, the lugs extending above the said surface toengage the stacked signatures for carrying to the trimming station.

1. In combination: inputs means for feeding material, cutting means adjacent to said input means for cutting said material, stacking means adjacent to said cutting means for stacking said material after it has been cut, said stacking means including a plurality of rollers disposed substantially orthogonally to the direction of material travel, drive means for rotatively driving said rollers around the axis thereof whereby material deposited on the rollers is driven thereby to transport means, said transport means moving said material away from said stacking means, coupling means coupling together said input means, said cutting means, said stacking means and said transport means to effect synchronism in the operation thereof, and means adjacent said rollers to maintain said material in frictional engagement with said rollers to insure driving of said material by said rollers.
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said plurality of rollers comprises at least two sets of rollers, said drive means comprising chain means linked to sprockets on each of said rollers, said chain means and said sprockets being so arranged that said sets of rollers rotate in counterrotational directions.
 3. The combination recited in claim 2 wherein said stacking means includes elevator means, said elevator means disposed between said sets of rollers whereby said sets of rollers feed material onto said elevator means; cam means, said cam means, connected to said elevator means to selectively cause said elevator means to assume raised or lowered ps positions; a said elevator means and said cam ma means being synchronized with said sets of rollers so that material is fed onto said elevator means when in said raised position; said transport means being operative to engage said material when said elevator means is in said lowered position.
 4. The combination recited in claim 1 wherein said input means includes feed chain means for moving said material; ramp means adjacent said feed chain means for moving said material; ramp means adjacent said feed chain means so that said material is moved up said ramp means to be raised relative to the initial position at said input means; guide means affixed to said ramp means for controlling the position of said material as it is moved up said ramp means; a said cutting means comprising at least one pari pair of cooperating slitting discs for cutting said material into separate segments; said stacking means including conveyor means for conveying the separate segments of the cut material to a predetermined stacking station adjacent said transport means.
 5. In a trimmer, including a trimming station for continuously trimming and separating individual signatures into multiple signature printing and having a central axis, combinAtion of: A. input means feeding the signatures into the trimmer; B. slitter knives receiving the sheets from the input means and slitting the signatures into at least two segments; C. a plurality of longitudinal aligned roller sets receiving the previously slit signatures and directing them transversely inwardly toward the said central axis: said rollers being disposed in planes parallel to the a said central machine axis; D. means to press the previously slit signatures into engagement with the said longitudinal aligned rollers; E. elevator means positioned upon the said central machine axis and reciprocating to an upper position and a lower position: said elevator means receiving the slit signatures from the longitudinal rollers when in the upper position; and said elevator means lowering the said signatures when moving to the lower position; and F. chain means receiving the said signatures from the elevator means when in the lower position: said chain means carrying the signatures to the trimming station.
 6. The invention of claim 5 wherein the said input means includes an indexing guide parallel with and spaced from the central axis and rollers angularly positioned with regard to the said central machine axis whereby the said angularly positioned rollers urge the signatures against the indexing guide for initial aligning purposes.
 7. The invention of claim 5 wherein the longitudinally aligned rollers include a right set functioning to the right of the central machine axis and a left set functioning to the left of the central machine axis.
 8. The invention of claim 7 wherein the said right and left sets of longitudinally aligned rollers position in respective horizontal planes, the plane of one set of rollers being above the plane of the other of said set of rollers whereby signatures may be readily stacked one on top of the other upon the elevator means.
 9. The invention of claim 7 and drive means rotating the said right and left roller sets, said drive means simultaneously rotating one of said roller sets in a clockwise direction, and the other of said sets in a counterclockwise direction.
 10. The invention of claim 5 wherein the means to press the signatures into engagement with the longitudinal rollers include a plurality of weighted balls.
 11. The invention of claim 10 wherein the said weighted balls roll in place and re are positioned by a plurality of respective holes provided in a guide member.
 12. The invention of claim 5 wherein the said elevator means deposit the stacked signatures upon a surface when reciprocating to the lower position, the said chain means recessing below the said surface.
 13. The invention of claim 12 wherein the chain means are provided with upwardly projecting lugs, the lugs extending above the said surface to engage the stacked signatures for carrying to the trimming station. 